Read Well, Live Well: How Literacy Boosts Your Health

When we think about health and wellness, we often focus on diet, exercise, and sleep. However, there is another important factor that significantly influences both our mental and physical well-being, which is frequently overlooked, and that is literacy. Reading and writing are typically associated with academic achievement, but research over the years indicates that literacy has a much more profound impact on our lives. From early childhood through adulthood, strong literacy skills are connected to better emotional resilience, greater social connectivity, and even improved physical health outcomes.

Literacy, Mental Health, and Emotional Wellness

What if something as simple as reading a book or writing your thoughts down could boost your mental health? Children who struggle with reading are more prone to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. On the other hand, individuals who adopt a positive attitude toward literacy often experience greater resilience, motivation, confidence, and emotional regulation. A 2018 report from the National Literacy Trust revealed that 37.4% of individuals with low literacy engagement reported poor mental health, compared to only 11.8% of those with high literacy engagement. The report also found that greater engagement in reading and writing was linked to significantly better overall emotional well-being.

Furthermore, reading fiction has been shown to enhance affective empathy, the ability to understand others’ emotions. Engaging with narrative fiction helps individuals connect with the thoughts and feelings of characters, which in turn improves real-world social understanding and relationships.

In other words, the more we read, the better we understand ourselves and others, and

the stronger our emotional health becomes.

Physical Health Outcomes

Although educational attainment is commonly used to predict health outcomes, research indicates that literacy itself, rather than just the level of education, plays an important and independent role in influencing physical health. For instance, a study conducted at San Francisco General Hospital found that adults with higher reading skills were more likely to achieve better glycemic control in managing type 2 diabetes, regardless of whether they had completed high school. Additionally, poor literacy skills are linked to lower rates of preventive healthcare, including screenings and vaccinations. Among adolescents, lower literacy is associated with a higher risk of substance use, violence, and sexually transmitted infections. Furthermore, adults with limited literacy are more likely to require hospitalization, both in Medicare and non-Medicare populations.

The Role of Pediatricians in Promoting Literacy

Pediatric healthcare providers have a crucial opportunity to support literacy from a young age. Programs like Reach Out and Read, established in 1989, incorporate literacy interventions into routine pediatric visits by:

-Providing each child with a developmentally appropriate book during their check-up.

-Offering guidance to families on the importance of daily shared reading.

-Writing a “prescription” that encourages 10 minutes of reading each day.

The results are impressive. Families participating in the program are 2.5 times more likely to read with their children and to have books at home. Children show improvements of 3 to 6 months in language development. One early study even indicated an eightfold increase in families identifying reading aloud as a favorite activity.

Despite these successes, fewer than half of low-income children in the U.S. are ready for school by age five. Even among moderate- and high-income families, 1 in 4 children still start kindergarten unprepared. Expanding literacy interventions through pediatric care could help close this gap and lead to better long-term health outcomes.

The Literacy Crisis: A Public Health Concern

The current state of literacy in the U.S. is deeply concerning. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 37% of fourth graders read below the basic level, marking a 14% decline since 1992. This drop worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, when widespread school closures disrupted learning for 57 million children. Researchers estimate that as much as 67% of kindergarten literacy skills were lost during that period. The impact of low literacy is significant. It is estimated that $232 billion is spent annually on healthcare costs related to poor literacy, which arise from delayed diagnoses, misunderstandings of medical instructions, and underutilization of preventive services.

Addressing the Gap: What Healthcare Providers Need

Many pediatricians recognize the importance of promoting literacy but often lack the necessary resources, time, or training to address it in their clinics. A study conducted among pediatricians in New Jersey revealed that two-thirds felt unprepared to promote literacy. Only a quarter participated in Reach Out and Read or similar programs, although half expressed a desire to get involved. As the authors of one study stated, “We must acknowledge the central role of the pediatrician in school readiness." To achieve this, it is essential to integrate literacy education into medical training and provide better support for literacy interventions in clinical settings.

The Role of Technology in Literacy Promotion

Technology can play a crucial role in expanding access to literacy. During the pandemic, virtual programs emerged as effective tools for continuing education and outreach. One example is TipsByText (Ready4K), which sent weekly literacy tips to parents via SMS, including messages like “Doc says…” Over seven months, children whose parents received these texts showed literacy gains equivalent to three months of classroom learning. Combining in-person programs, such as Reach Out and Read, with virtual tools like TipsByText can enhance the reach and frequency of literacy interventions, particularly in underserved communities.

A Call to Action

Reading and writing are essential skills that extend beyond academics; they are crucial for physical health, mental well-being, and social development. By prioritizing literacy early in both healthcare and education, we can significantly enhance the lives of children and adults throughout the country. Promoting literacy should not be the sole responsibility of schools; it is a public health priority. By collaborating across different sectors, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive emotionally, physically, and intellectually.